01/27/2012

As much as I'd like to think that I can do it all, that is so ridiculously not true and unrealistic. So, i am just letting everyone know that Makewells will be taking a week off and will be back on Monday, Feb. 6.

Driving 15 hours to a new state, moving in, setting up house, and discovering our new town is just not going to leave time for proper blogging. So...I leave you today with an homage to my home state.

I really wish I could go doodle and color and throw paint at a canvas right now. But instead, I'll continue putting things in boxes in as organized of a manner as this disorganized girl can do. Someone else go make some art in my honor...

01/24/2012

Everyone loves a great quote that makes you smile and feel encouraged. Maybe there are some cynics out there who'd love a poster on their wall that reads, "Life Stinks, Let's Get it Over With Already", but I believe each day we have is a blessing from the Lord. That doesn't mean everyday is going to be easy and "awesome", but even in the midst of crisis, He gives us glimmers of hope.

That's what I love about today's prints: they are hopefull little nuggets of optimism. Maybe reading one on a down day will make you smile and feel His love...

01/23/2012

Even in the midst of a crazy time of life (packing our home, moving to a new state, figuring out the logistics of coming and going between Florida and Virginia as I finish out the school year...), I have to have quiet moments in the day browsing the creative blog world.

One blog that I go to regularly is The Color Issue, run by Aarean, a spunky freelance graphic designer, wife, mama, and lover of all things colorful. I did a little Q & A of Aarean to get to know her, so here's a peek at what she says you can find on her blog:

Some of her favorite posts? This DIY Marble Nails how to is one, and I'm gonna have to try it!

Her other favs that you must go take a peek at are here and here. (What are you waiting for, go look! You can come back in a sec!)

My favorite thus far? Her inspiring photos shot at the Farmer's Market: talk about color, these pics are oozing with it!

As an artist, it's always fascinating to me finding out what time of day other artists get the inspiration bug, so I asked Aarean to share when that time is for her. Her answer? The exact opposite of MY time!

"3:00 - 4:00 in the afternoon...the lighting is just perfect for pictures!"

As a teacher, sometimes I'm ready for a nap by 3:00! On days off however, I usually wake up inspired and find that the morning, or late at night when I know I don't have to get up early the next day, is the most creative time for me...

Last year at Art Palm Beach, I fell in love with the art of Nall when I saw this piece:

So this year, when I saw that the Octavia Gallery in New Orleans would be at Art Palm Beach again, I knew there would be even more Nall to drool over. When I saw his work, it was as if I'd spotted Javy Lopez from the Atlanta Braves (my favorite baseball player as a kid...). It was pure excitement. And he didn't disappoint.

Nall's mixed media pieces are stunning. He uses wood, mosaic tiles, egg shells, and other materials in addition to traditional media. The combination of his delicate paintings (mostly floral illustrations and landscapes) with the rough drift wood, pieces of trim, antlers, etc., are brought together perfectly.